Source: New Zealand Police
A man who became separated from his hunting party in remote Northland bush was rescued in the early hours of Monday morning after a coordinated search effort involving Police and Land Search and Rescue (Land SAR) teams.
The alarm was sounded around 7pm on Sunday that a member of a hunting group had gone missing in the mountainous terrain of Warawara Forest near Mitimiti.
Detective Sergeant Ryan Cooper says the party spent several hours searching the area before notifying Police.
“With no sign of the man, Police and Land SAR teams were deployed to the dense forest, which covers over 6800 hectares of bushland.
“A GPS dog collar provided a starting point for where he was last seen, and teams set off just after 10.30pm.”
Rescuers made their way through the steep terrain, utilising sound line techniques when visual coverage was limited.
Just after 1.30am, a successful voice appeal confirmed the man was safe and provided search teams with his rough location.
“Dense vegetation made the search challenging, with aerial search crews taking 30 minutes to locate him.
“As Eagle hovered above the hunter, a spotlight pinpointed his location, and a quick thumbs up provided reassurance that he was uninjured,” Detective Sergeant Cooper says.
Teams on the ground reached the man at 2.50am, where he was found barefoot and dehydrated but otherwise well.
After providing him with food and water, the group began the three-hour trek back to safety, traversing rugged terrain and a river before the man was reunited with his family at daybreak.
Detective Sergeant Cooper says this was an incredibly lucky result, with search teams working through the night in difficult conditions to bring the man home.
“Police are greatly appreciative of the local Mitimiti community who provided a base and hospitality for search teams.
“We also thank Far North Land Search and Rescue, Northland Land Search and Rescue and the Police Eagle Helicopter for their efforts.
“This rescue is a reminder that no matter how well you know a forest or hunting spot, a situation can quickly turn dangerous, particularly when you’re underprepared.
‘Before heading out, tell someone where you’re going and when to expect you back; ensure you’re dressed for the conditions; have adequate food and water; and take a reliable means of communication.
“Proper preparation can be the difference between a close call and a tragedy.”
ENDS.
Frankie Le Roy/NZ Police.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/28/out-of-the-woods-a-lucky-escape-for-lost-hunter/